Philip Deibel

9.3

Philip had this 4 years ago

with Mike

Philip Deibel

9.1

Maybe I need to place parameters on which bottles are ok to pick from for a blind taste test! It actually was a great experience. To be honest, Deep Time is not my cup of tea. I don’t know how much everyone knows about Deep Time, but it is basically an extended barrel aging program, 38-40 months I believe. I just think it is too much oak. As a 2006 there is still so much oak, and it is not meshing well with the naturally oxidized/aged flavors. Blinded, I said it was a high-end Napa Cab-dominant blend that was probably older than it tastes at first ( I said 2008 or 10-14 years old). Overall it isn’t my favorite style because of a brooding and almost sour character. After I was unblinded I feel like I was tasting a saturated and old oak flavor. In summary, extra oak plus 15.5% alcohol plus more than a decade of aging was not in a great place for my palate. — 5 years ago

Philip Deibel

8.8

I am starting to lose patience with Jonata. Either I open one of their other bottlings and it seems way too early, or I open more of an entry-level wine and don’t enjoy it. I’m not sure if I am a fan of this style of blend. Mostly Syrah with a good portion of Sangiovese, along with 4 other varietals. Disjointed and confused, almost a bit sour. I like to think of wines as shapes when describing mouthfeel, and I am not lying when I say that about halfway through the mid palate this one turns downwards and creates a :-( — 6 years ago

Philip Deibel

9.5

Philip had this 4 years ago

with Mike

Philip Deibel

9.1

One of (the only?) the only whites made by Heidi Barrett, this is a really great Chardonnay. No noticeable oak, which is my personal new requirement. Slightly sweeter than I remembered but very balanced with good acidity and minerality (I don’t care if this term is falling out of favor amongst the “experts”, as it still describes how a wine feels to me!) — 5 years ago

Philip Deibel

9.3

Home alone for 24 hrs! The perfect time to open something older. Fully mature Bordeaux... I mean Napa! Dried fruit and tobacco, there is still a frame of tannins but they are well integrated and slightly chalky in texture. Enjoyable but more mature than I prefer. — 5 years ago

Philip Deibel

9.6

I have become a big Patria fan. The Avoyelles is a cab franc dominant blend, along with 35% CS and 9% petit verdot. It just smells and tastes soooo very good. Manages to impress on every front: beautiful floral aromatics, minerality, fine-grained tannins and a long finish. Extremely balanced and highly recommended. — 6 years ago

Philip Deibel

9.4

Philip had this 4 years ago

with Mike

Philip Deibel

9.7

My review did not post previously for some reason. This is a very impressive wine. Even over several hours it was continuing to open up and show additional layers. I wish we had saved some for the following night but we couldn’t help but finish it! From a small lieu-dit on the right bank next to Pavie and Troplong-Mondot. I had specific thoughts last month but they will have to wait for the next bottle. But I HIGHLY recommend Component wines. Actually, I recommend anything by Michael Kennedy. He has a Napa and Bordeaux line, along with the newly announced Gagnon-Kennedy brand from historic Napa sources. Come along for the ride! — 5 years ago

Philip Deibel

9.5

This is about the sexiest pop and pour that I could imagine. Oozing silkiness with completely integrated tannins without a hint of oxidation. It boasts a molten core of blueberry chocolate with a sweetness that tastes nothing like sugar. Sooo good. Only made in certain vintages.... whenever Jayson feels like it from what I can gather! — 6 years ago